ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2288, 5 September 1908, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

IRENE AINSLEY’S CONCERT

Thorn is no doubt Miss Irene Ainsley deserved larger audiences at both iier concerts than was accorded her, and it is to be regretted that the music-loving public of Gisborne did not fill the Theatre to .overflowing at both oiitortni.ilincuts. . If only lor patriotic reasons Aliss Ainsloy should liavo mot with a warm welcome, for she is New Zoalulid-born. \ynen Aladamo Alclbn was in Auckland somo six years ago, sjio recognised tlio promise in Miss Ainsloy s voice, and advised her to go to England to study. Aladamo Alolbak hopes wore not disappointed for Miss AiiisW has fully justified lier confidence. But Aliss Ainsloy should havo boon warmly sujiported ou merit alone. She is" a contralto smgor of unusually rare quality of voice, her technique is almost porfoct, and sho lias a charm and grace of manner with tier songs that quickly reaches the hearts of her iiiidieneo. She has tlio artistic temporaimmt, mul ift therefore to faithfully interpret tlio music, ami lior programmes wore so selected as to please tlio liiOrifc exacting. TjUkL evening Aliss Ainsloy’s opening number was Terosa del Riogo’s song “Life’s Recompense,” which was chariningiy given, and on the audience demanding an encore, Aliss Amsley responded with Alotcalfo’s short song “Absent.” Three brackotod songs constituted her next number, Aliss Aiuslov being heard to advantage in Chain i'uado’s pretty song “The iSilver Ring,” which was delightfully sung. Leom’s “AVlion Ho Comes Home. ’ and Liddle’s “In my Garden,” were so pleasing that the audience again demanded an encore. Afjss Ainsloy responded with “To-morrow,”" which was charmingly sung sotto voce, “Out outlie Rocks” (Daiby) was also an appreciable number, and do lioi* go’s “Happy Song” 'was given with such animation and expression that Aliss Ainslcy was again recalled, and treated the audience to “Annie Laurie,” which is ever popular. Mr. Hamilton Hodges was again in splendid voice, and his baritone songs were carefully chosen. “Across the Far Blue Rill, Marie” (Blumentlml) wa a splendid number, and served to show the singer’s control of his voice. Tho softer notes were sweetly sung, wliilo tho declamatory passages were artistically true, and ail enthusiastic oncore being demanded, Air. Hodges san" To Rangi Pai’s “Tlio Niglitin"ale and tho Rose.” Three short son"s bv Loin* “You Loved tlio .1 imo of AUolets,” “Eves that used to Gaze,” and “A’outli has a Happy Tread,” was Air. Hodges’ next number. The last isong was sung with animation ami fine dramatic power. Tim audience insisted on a recall, and Ml’. Hodges sang Leoni’s “Stars. Airs. Ernest Quereo played Liszt s Alarcli do Rakoczy,” and “Staccato Caprice” on the piano, the last number being encored. .Mrs. Querce also acted as accompanist.